Irregular bleeding during menopause can be unsettling. But even if your cycle changes, it's no cause for concern.
Menstruation changes during this time. This is a normal process that all women go through at some point. Bleeding varies from heavy to light and becomes significantly more irregular. In our blog post, you'll learn what happens in your body during menopause and how your bleeding changes during this time.
What is menopause?
Menopause is the period of hormonal change in women that occurs after the last menstrual period. During this phase, a major hormonal change takes place in the body, ending a woman's fertile lifespan. The process of menopause can be divided into three stages.
The first phase of menopause is premenopause, which begins on average between the ages of 40 and 45. It lasts several years until perimenopause begins. This phase lasts approximately four to one year after menopause, i.e., up to twelve months after the last period. Then postmenopause occurs. This phase usually lasts several years and marks the end of menopause, ending only when hormone levels have stabilized and symptoms no longer exist.
Premenopause:
Initially, fewer hormones are produced in the ovaries, leading to an irregular cycle. This phase marks the beginning of menopause. The timing varies from woman to woman, but premenopause usually begins in the mid-40s.
Perimenopause:
The intervals between periods become longer. The ovaries produce less and less estrogen. Perimenopause occurs one to two years before menopause. Many women experience various symptoms during these hormonal changes. You can learn about the symptoms that can occur and how to treat them in our blog article "Menopause Symptoms."
Menopause:
Menopause is your last menstrual period. After that, your ovaries completely cease functioning. This means the end of your fertility. Menopause begins with your last menstrual period and ends when you have not had a period for at least 12 months.
When is menopause over?
Approximately twelve months after the last period, hormone levels have stabilized, and typical symptoms such as hot flashes subside. This phase is known as postmenopause.
How does bleeding change during menopause?
With the onset of menopause, your menstrual cycle changes. Bleeding becomes more frequent, and sometimes it's heavy or very light. Many women feel self-conscious about these fluctuations, but with the right selection of sanitary products, you can still feel safe and comfortable.
Is irregular bleeding normal during menopause?
The first sign of menopause is a change in the menstrual cycle, which remains irregular until the end. These changes are caused by hormonal changes, particularly the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. This period can be compared to the onset of puberty. With the first period, a woman becomes fertile, but hormone levels need time to stabilize, and therefore periods are initially very irregular. The same thing happens in reverse until the last period, i.e., menopause. Irregular bleeding during menopause is therefore completely normal.
What does heavy bleeding during menopause mean?
Heavy menstrual bleeding is also known as hypermenorrhea. It often occurs when the intervals between menstruation become longer. This gives the uterine lining more time to build up and then naturally sheds this tissue. This leads to heavier bleeding, which is often more clotty and painful than usual. Menstrual heat patches can help relieve pelvic pain. The pleasant warmth feels soothing and relaxing.
Is bleeding during menopause normal despite hormone therapy?
Even with hormone therapy, it's normal to experience bleeding during menopause. This bleeding should only stop with the onset of menopause, i.e., after the last menstrual period. However, minor bleeding can occur even up to a year after the last period. Don't let this worry you, because, especially with hormone therapy, further bleeding can occur in the postmenopausal period. This is because the uterine lining is regularly shed. In rare cases, bleeding can also indicate a tumor or other condition. Therefore, we always recommend consulting a doctor.
Is bleeding after 3 years of menopause still normal?
Menopause accompanies women for many years. On average, this phase of life lasts between five and eight years. However, there are cases where it can last longer than ten years. The duration varies greatly from woman to woman. For this reason, bleeding after three years is completely normal and no cause for concern. However, if menopause has already been reached after this time, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
Even during menopause, there are products that can help you with bleeding and discomfort. Soft tampons and warming patches can help you feel safe and comfortable despite cycle fluctuations – tailored to your individual needs. Discover the ELANEE feminine hygiene range:
Always seek medical advice
Important note: This article contains only general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor.
If bleeding becomes too heavy, it is advisable to seek medical help. Treatments to relieve menstruation can be hormonal or medication-based.
Heavy bleeding can be reduced with medical help. If you don't want to, it ends with menopause. The average age of women reaching this stage is 51.
Bleeding during menopause is a completely natural process that lasts for years. If you experience further bleeding at the onset of menopause—that is, if you haven't had any bleeding for at least 12 months and then suddenly experience it again—you should discuss it with a doctor.
Stress can trigger and even worsen bleeding during menopause. This is because the body produces more cortisol during this time. This, in turn, affects the female hormone balance and leads to even more irregular bleeding. Therefore, it is important that you pay particular attention to reducing stress during this phase of life and give your body sufficient rest periods.
How long it takes for a woman to reach menopause, which is her last menstrual period, varies greatly, as it depends on many different factors. On average, it takes between five and eight years. The average age for a woman to reach menopause is 51.
If bleeding during menopause is so heavy that it significantly impairs your quality of life, you should consult a doctor. Hormone therapy can stabilize your cycle to the point where heavy periods stop. Alternatively, medication is an option. Feel free to discuss this with your gynecologist directly!
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